Can you remember the last time you had a good belly laugh? When you laughed so hard, you cried? As it turns out, you weren’t just having fun. You were helping to better your health.

Laughter can be good for the heart and soul, and even your waistline. Here are seven reasons why this Burbank chiropractor prescribes laughter:

Lowers stress

Lowers blood pressure

Boosts immunity

Decreases pain

Prevents heart disease

Relaxes muscles

Increases alertness, creativity, and memory

A recent study at Loma Linda University suggests that laughter can help improve short-term memory in older adults. And a study by researchers at Vanderbilt University found that laughter may even help you to shed a few pounds.

Surgeons used humor to distract patients from pain as early as the 13th century. Later, in the 20th century, came the scientific study of the effect of humor on physical wellness. Many credit this to Norman Cousins, an American political journalist, and author. After years of pain from a serious illness, Cousins claims to have cured himself with a self-invented regimen of laughter and vitamins. In his 1979 book Anatomy of an Illness, Cousins describes how watching comedic movies helped him recover.

You may recall the recent movie Patch Adams, about a medical doctor who literally donned clown attire as therapy for his patients. The real Dr. Adams founded The Gesundheit! Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes holistic healthcare. And yes, he still sees patients and lectures in clown attire.

Laughter may not be a miracle cure. It might not heal your painful lower back like treatments from this Burbank chiropractor. But it definitely can reduce mental tension and increase energy. Beware though! It’s said to be contagious. Next time you hear someone bursting out loud with laughter, join in. I’ll bet you a thousand smiles, you’ll be glad you did.